(Senior) Legal Counsel

Permanent – Full time – Salary : competitive, doe – Location : Newport |Hybrid – 2 days a week in the office

(Newport is located approximately 15 miles from Cardiff and 30 miles from Bristol.)

About AerFin

AerFin is breathing new life into aviation. We buy, sell, lease and repair aircraft, engines, and parts to maximise the value for their owners and provide a lower-cost supply of material to our airline, lessor and MRO customers. Through our deep technical expertise and high-performance culture, we deliver confidence-inspiring quality, safety and value to our customers. Our blend of industry expertise and experience – today’s insight and tomorrow’s foresight – gives us a unique perspective on our industry that is trusted by over 600 customers across six continents. With regional hubs in Europe, Asia and the USA we’re perfectly placed to keep fleets flying and get deals done. That’s the AerFin way. That’s the way ahead.

To explore our exceptional facility and learn more about what we do, follow the link : AerFin’s state-of-the-art facility

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive commercial lawyer with aviation experience to join our legal team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in contract law within an aviation setting, with proven expertise in providing legal advice and support to internal stakeholders on a wide range of commercial transactions. Experience in managing compliance matters in the workplace would be a valuable addition.

This role demands independence and agility, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while delivering pragmatic and strategic legal guidance that supports business objectives. Confidence, clarity, and a solutions-focused approach are essential.

If you are a skilled commercial lawyer with aviation experience, we would like to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advise on compliance projects, ensuring regulatory adherence (including export controls, KYC, anti-bribery, anti-fraud) and embed best practices through policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements for the sale and purchase of aircraft, engines, components, leasing, teardown, and MRO services.
• Support creation of legal precedents and deliver internal training.
• Partner with internal teams to assess and mitigate legal and business risks.
• Serve as the expert on new laws and regulations impacting AerFin.
• Manage global external counsel and ensure legal services are high-quality and cost-effective.
• Advise AerFin’s UK and global teams with practical, timely legal guidance aligned to business goals.

Qualifications And Experience

• Qualified Solicitor with 2+ years\’ PQE in commercial and regulatory law, ideally with in‑house experience.
• Strong grasp of international compliance frameworks and standards
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver strategic legal advice.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
• Aviation experience is essential.

In return we offer

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme (20 %)
• Flexible working, ability to work between home and the office
• Volunteering Leave
• Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Scheme
• 27 days of annual leave with an option to buy or sell an additional 5 days per year
• Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
• Social events and much more

We\’re actively reviewing applications and conducting interviews regularly. To ensure your consideration, please submit your application early. Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate is found, so don\’t delay in sending your CV today for immediate consideration.

AerFin is an equal opportunities employer, which cultivates opinion, listens to all views with respect, recognises people based on their merits without bias and embraces diversity.

(NB. we will not consider any CVs from agencies at this point, and will reach out to our PSL if required)